Plan for an emergency: Heatwave

Use our checklist to make sure your emergency kit is ready for this season

Heatwaves kill far more people than natural disasters like bushfires, cyclones and floods. Adequate preparation is essential, especially for people at high risk: the elderly; babies; young children; people with health and mobility problems.

During (and before) a heatwave

Stay hydrated

Drink two to three litres of water each day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

If you or those close to you are suffering heat stress, call for help immediately

Stay out of the sun

Take shelter. If you need to be out in the sun, wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunburn will affect your body's ability to cope with the heat.

Get your home ready

Draw your curtains, blinds and awnings at the start of the day to keep as much sun out of your home as possible.

Seek air conditioning

If you don't have air conditioning at home, spend the day somewhere that does, like a library, cinema or shopping centre. If you do have an air conditioner at home, make sure it has been serviced. Fans will also help you stay cool.

Look after your pets

Make sure your pets have plenty of shade and enough cool water to last the entire day. Putting ice cubes in their bowl will help keep their water cool for longer. Check on them regularly.

Don't leave children or pets in parked vehicles

Ever. For any period of time.

After a heatwave

Continue to check on family, friends and neighbours, particularly those most at risk

Keep drinking water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty

Be careful around trees - they often drop limbs when it's hot

Emergency services

Agencies work together to issue alerts for heatwaves, so the agency issuing the alerts will vary. Be on the look out for alerts related to heat health (generally issued by the Chief Health Officer), extreme heat or about transport disruptions.